Those People

Do you find it difficult to deal with certain people? Like the ones who always criticize, never have anything good to say about anyone, and constantly talk behind peoples’ back. Yea, you know, those people. The majority of those people have a lot of reserved criticism for themselves. Why? They don’t like themselves, much less love themselves. They don’t know authentic love.

Many of have robbed of it, and are obviously full of bitterness. The thing to consider is they didn’t one day decide to become so resentful. Something happened, and chances are there were multiple things that happened over time.

When they were around six or seven years of age, how many do you suppose said, “I want to grow up to become a two-faced, bitter jerk,” when asked what they wanted to be when they grew up? Did you? Probably not.

Those people can be hard to handle, especially when there’s a room full of them. As the saying goes, “Misery loves company.” When interacting with them, have you ever found retaliation trying to work its way to the surface? Perhaps, you’ve found yourself feeling a bit argumentative, even though you hate to argue. Somehow, you were sucked into their vortex, and found yourself tied up in knots emotionally. The cherry on top was you acting or saying thing that are uncharacteristic of you.

They do have a strange way of seeking love and attention! Ironically, that is exactly what they need, and it can be difficult to have compassion when interactions with them are unpleasant. How does one dig deep, and extend that love and compassion to them?

Digging Deep

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There are a few things this verse has to offer when things seem impossible. When we face things beyond the scope of our natural abilities, God’s grace comes to the rescue. It enables us to do those things we cannot do on our own. Humility needs to be deployed when facing difficult individuals. Admit we cannot do it, and simply ask God for His help. Through His grace we are able to be merciful. By submitting to Holy Spirit, we can extend love to the “unlovable,” as it is part of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

Moreover, ask God to show you how He sees them. If you see through the rough exterior, you may find a broken child who needs healing. Those who have been traumatized at a young age, are often stuck emotionally from that point forward. For example, a person who was traumatized around the age of 10, will remain emotionally 10 through adulthood. Intellectually, they have matured and live as adults; but underneath the surface, not so much emotionally. Have you ever met someone who is intelligent, but then behaves irrationally when circumstances arise that do not warrant such behavior?

The Lord can also give you a vision of such a one in a healed state. He is able to give you the wisdom and understanding required to properly interact with him or her. In short, walk in the Spirit, and allow them to experience the love of God through you. If nothing else, at least pray for them.

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